At this time of year gym adverts are everywhere, usually featuring super-fit Lycra-clad models.

Trouble is, if you don’t bear the vaguest resemblance to these sporty physiques, the world of fitness can seem an intimidating place.

“The way the leisure industry markets itself is very aspirational. When you look at the imagery used, it’s at the elite end. People must look at it and think, ‘Well, that’s not for me, I don’t look anything like that and probably never will’,” says Jules Twells from the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS).

“There should be more mainstream marketing for your average person on the street.”

The ‘average person’ means people with disabilities, too.

Jules is part of the EFDS’s Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI), which has been running for more than a decade with the aim of making fitness and physical activity more of a reality for less active groups within society.

While the imagery in ads may not apply to everybody, the benefits of exercise most certainly do, whatever your size and shape and whether every part of your body’s in perfect working order.

“Anything that applies to any individual, applies equally to somebody who has an impairment,” says Hilary Farmiloe. “The benefits of physical activity are well-documented, from the physical side – improved fitness, weight management – to the psychological rewards, but there can also be added benefits for disabled people.”

Hilary is national project manager for InstructAbility, an award-winning gym instructor training programme for people with disabilities, created by YMCAfit and spinal injuries support charity Aspire.

The programme is open to people with all types of disabilities, and it’s the standard gym instructor qualification. The only difference is that the way the course is delivered is adapted to meet the needs of disabled students.

“Putting disabled people in the workforce at leisure centres sends out the message immediately to anybody coming in who has an impairment that they’re welcome and exercise is something they can do,” says Hilary.

The EFDS recently carried out research (Disabled People’s Lifestyle Survey 2013) which revealed that there’s a lot of untapped demand for sports and physical activity among disabled people.

For more information, visit efds.co.uk/inclusive-fitness